Stove Tips
As autumn leaves start to fall and the chill of winter looms, it’s time to think about heating our homes. More and more people are turning to multi-fuel stoves as a cost-effective heating solution, as they burn inexpensive fuels like smokeless coal, seasoned peat briquettes and eco-friendly dried wood.
Some useful tips:
- Make sure you ask a professional to clean your chimney/flue before installation. Clean your chimney at least once per year, particularly prior to reusing your open fire or stove.
- Consider the style of stove that you prefer.
- If you are considering burning wood make sure you have a plentiful supply. Consider the environment and use wood from a recyclable source.
- Fuel should be fully dry for maximum efficiency.
- When placing fresh fuel into your stove’s firebox, cautiously open the door, as air rushing in can cause smoke to leave the chamber; riddle the grate to reduce ash build up, and place the new fuel on top of the embers.
- Avoid allowing a build-up of ashes in the ash pan; doing so will result in the grate burning out prematurely.
- It is a requirement that adequate ventilation is provided to ensure plenty of air for combustion; if a vent does not exist in the room where the stove is being installed, one must be provided.
- Never burn rubbish, household waste or plastic in your stove.